A/HRC/27/14 81. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic noted, inter alia, the adoption of the NHRAP; and efforts to promote gender mainstreaming and ensure access to education. 82. Latvia noted positively the adoption of the NHRAP and the opening of the EHRC regional offices. It remained concerned at violence against women and children, particularly corporal punishment of children. 83. Lesotho welcomed in particular Ethiopia’s continuing efforts to protect specific groups’ rights, such as the rights of persons with disabilities, women and children. 84. Libya welcomed the NHRAP and the GTP for 2010–2015, aimed at transforming the country into a middle-income economy. 85. Liechtenstein noted the priority given to the protection and empowerment of women at the federal and regional levels, and to treaty bodies’ conclusions in that area. 86. Madagascar noted the adoption of policies to promote and protect human rights, including the NHRAP and the GTP for 2010–2015. 87. Malaysia, commending the establishment of EHRC and the NHRAP, encouraged adequate resource provision for them. 88. Maldives appreciated steps to promote the role of women. It noted cooperation with United Nations mechanisms and challenges faced by Ethiopia, including climate change. 89. Mali noted ratification of CRPD and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol. It commended efforts to strengthen the judiciary. 90. Mauritania appreciated that Ethiopia was hosting hundreds of refugees from neighbouring countries while ensuring their rights in cooperation with UNHCR. 91. Mauritius commended the adoption of various measures demonstrating Ethiopia’s human rights commitment. It encouraged Ethiopia to continue in that vein. 92. Mexico noted legislative progress and Ethiopia’s commitment to human rights. It hoped that UPR would assist Ethiopia in overcoming the challenges it faced. 93. Montenegro enquired about measures to combat human trafficking and support victims; and to establish a complaints mechanism to investigate reports of torture committed by security personnel. 94. Morocco commended the economic development and the GTP. It welcomed the commitment to poverty eradication and the Millennium Development Goals. 95. The delegation stated that the Government was committed to addressing gender inequality and enhancing women’s empowerment and reported on measures taken. Those measures had led to falling statistics for FGM and early, child and forced marriage. Religious leaders had also been instrumental in combating FGM and other harmful practices. 96. Affirmative action to empower women was in place, fostering the increased participation of women in public affairs, including in the decision-making process. 97. Measures had been taken to ensure women’s equal access to economic resources and the growing number of women entrepreneurs was encouraging. Several strategies, packages and action plans had been devised to reduce maternal and child mortality, which had helped ensure achievement of the relevant Millennium Development Goals. 98. Ethiopia was also committed to improving the rights and welfare of children and was taking steps to eliminate corporal punishment in family settings, which was prohibited under the Constitution. 9